Statistics Iceland is the centre for official statistics in Iceland, founded in 1914 and has the leading role in the organisation, coordination and conduct thereof. The institution collects statistical information about Icelandic society, processes and communicates data to users which contributes to an informed social debate and is the basis for democratic decisions. Director-General is Hrafnhildur Arnkelsdóttir.

Data management

The directorate is responsible for setting up a data repository for further analysis where data is harmonised, quality tested, classified and described. The directory has one department, data services.

Data Services

Statistical Analysis

The directorate is responisble for the processing and analysing of data along with preparing and finalising material for publication. The directory is divided into three departments; Social Statistics, Economic Statistics and Forecast.

Social Statistics
The department is responsible for index calculations, incl. consumer price index, construction cost index, production price index and related price indices as well as international price comparisons. The department is also responsible for statistics on the labour market, living standards, population, censuses, social indicators, social security, health, elections, media and culture as well as statistics on wages, labour costs, income, debts, education and school affairs.

Economic Statistics
The department is responsible for national accounts, public finances, foreign trade and company register for statistical purposes. Moreover, statistics on environmental issues, accommodation and tourism, fisheries and agriculture, as well as statistics on research and development expenditure and on business operations, performance, demographics and innovativeness. Short-term statistics on turnover subject to VAT are also compiled.

Forecasts

The department monitors the performance of the national economy and analyses the situation and prospects in the economy. Macroeconomic forecasts and plans are produced and reports published. According to the law on public finances, the forecasts form the basis of the budget proposal and policy in public finances. The department also carries out other research projects related to the preparation of macroeconomic forecasts.

The department is an independent unit and separate from the statistical activity.

Communication

The directorate is responsible for Statistics Iceland published material as well as providing support and explanations for all official publications and data releases. Furthermore the directorate oversees the administration of tailor made statistics and microdata services to the research community. In addition to managing the editorial staff of the website and web design, the communication department is responsible for the reception and exchange desk. Customer service and management of user cooperation and cooperation with other producers of statistics and International cooperation is also the responsibility of the department.

Financial Resources

The department is in charge of finances, general operations, purchasing and accounting. Furthermore, accounting concerns the issuing of invoices and collections, payroll accounting and budgets.

Information technology

The department is responsible for the operation and service of Statistics Iceland computer systems, programming and operation of customised software solutions. Furthermore, technical support for the activities of the institution.

Innovation

The department works on projects that focus on improvements and innovation in statistical reporting in collaboration with other departments and divisions of the Statistics Office. These include the development of new statistics, improvements to processing systems, installation of data models, data processing and improvements to data infrastructure. Methodology, classification systems and metadata are also on the agenda. Safety and quality issues are also among the department's tasks.